Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has emerged as a target for Italian giants Juventus in the ongoing winter transfer window. The Bianconeri lost their midfield mainstay Paul Pogba in the summer when he moved to his former club Manchester United and manager Massimiliano Allegri believes Can could be the ideal long-term replacement in the Juve midfield.
The German midfielder has featured 22 times for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term in all competitions and hasn’t had the best of the seasons, with his recent performances in the middle of the park, drawing some flak from the Liverpool faithful. The 23-year old has scored three times for the Reds and also has two assists against his name, across all competitions.
Can’s current contract with Liverpool runs until the summer of 2018 and with Lucas Leiva also linked with a move away from Anfield, it would be highly unlikely that Klopp would allow Can to leave as well. However, if the player does end up joining the Serie A leaders in January, here are three possible replacements, Liverpool could look to sign:
Franck Kessie
The Atalanta midfielder has earned rave reviews for his outstanding performances this season and as a result has been linked with a host of big clubs with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Liverpool all interested.
The 20-year old, who is currently away on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, has featured 16 times for Atalanta in the Italian top-flight and has scored 6 goals so far, along with one assist. Full of energy and exuberance, Kessie is suited to the role of a box-to-box midfielder and as has been seen this season, can have a meaningful impact on either side of the pitch. A powerhouse in the middle of the park, Kessie possesses a good amount of pace, loves to dribble past opponents and has a keen eye for a pass, leading to comparisons with Yaya Toure.
Kessie’s performances are full of confidence that bely his age and he could provide the energy and the drive for Liverpool in the midfield if Klopp decides to make a move for him.